The Australian Government is continuing to partner with local governments across regional Queensland to ensure high-priority infrastructure is delivered, with today's opening of the upgraded water treatment plant and raw water reservoir in Biggenden.
The $7 million project, which started construction in December 2022, was supported by $5.8 million from the Australian Government, with the remaining $1.25 million contributed by the North Burnett Regional Council. Works involved upgrading Biggenden water supply infrastructure with a new water treatment plant and raw water reservoir to improve water quality.
The new 1.25 megalitre reservoir provides 4 to 5 days of on-site storage of raw water ready for treatment and supply, while providing a means of standardising various source waters by mixing.
The new treatment plant has been designed to treat a range of raw water qualities. Current sources include groundwater from two bores and surface water from Degilbo Creek. The project enables the council to continue to meet its obligations as a water service provider by delivering a safe, more robust and reliable treated water supply.
North Burnett Regional Council maintains eight water treatment plants across the region and has strict controls in place to ensure the continued safety of supply, including regular testing and investment in infrastructure.
Urgent action was required at the Biggenden facility due to the poor condition of the existing water treatment plant, which was at the end of its serviceable life and at increased risk of failure.
This also delivers on a key priority for the community, which has expressed dissatisfaction with the water quality for some time, citing the water's hardness as causing marks on glass and car finishes, damage to appliances and tap fittings, as well as irritating sensitive digestive systems.
The facility stands as a testament to the great outcomes that can be achieved through government collaboration and the incredible value this adds to essential services in regional, rural and remote Australia.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:
"It's great to see work complete on this crucial water services project for the Biggenden district. The Australian Government is proud to have partnered with the North Burnett Regional Council to deliver an upgraded water treatment plant for this vibrant rural community, which now receives the better-quality water supply it deserves.
"The opening of this new facility is also an excellent example of community groups working with different tiers of government to ensure much needed infrastructure projects are delivered. I'd like to thank the Biggenden community members involved in advocating for this vital water treatment plant and reservoir upgrade, which will benefit the region for decades to come.
"It's great to be in Biggenden today to open another important project for regional Queensland. As town's like Biggenden continue to grow, projects like these will be crucial to retaining the excellent quality of life that locals enjoy here."
Quotes attributable to Mayor of North Burnett Regional Council, Councillor Les Hotz:
"The completion of the Biggenden Water Treatment Plant is a momentous occasion for Council and the Biggenden community. It represents the culmination of several years of investigation, planning, budgeting, tendering, and design and construction, and is the outcome of lots of hard work and dedication.
"The new plant is a considerable improvement on the last and includes more advanced technology and on-site raw water storage. This $7 million investment in the Biggenden community contributes to better water quality, security, and improved water reliability for the town.
"Council is proud to have progressed the project to this stage for the benefit of the community, and I commend the tireless work of the project team, contractors, and those who advocated for the project on a job well done.
"We wish to extend a special thanks to the Australian Government for their financial contribution to the project. It's these funding sources that make projects such as the Biggenden Water Treatment Plant Upgrade possible in regional and remote Australia, and Council reaffirms its strong support for programs that provide such opportunities."
